Photos: Cargo space surprises

CaptionAudi A4

Numbers don't always tell the whole story, and that's the case with the A4 entry-luxury sedan. The car's 12.4-cubic-foot trunk might not sound especially large, but its shape, a near perfect rectangle with few intrusions, is ideal for hauling luggage. Plus, the available split-backseat can fold...

Numbers don't always tell the whole story, and that's the case with the A4 entry-luxury sedan. The car's 12.4-cubic-foot trunk might not sound especially large, but its shape, a near perfect rectangle with few intrusions, is ideal for hauling luggage. Plus, the available split-backseat can fold...

Behind the Vette's front seats is 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space, double the space of most sports cars. We fit two sets of golf clubs in our test coupe, piled two roller suitcases behind and still had a clear view out back. Even the convertible can handle two sets of clubs. Who would have...

Behind the Vette's front seats is 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space, double the space of most sports cars. We fit two sets of golf clubs in our test coupe, piled two roller suitcases behind and still had a clear view out back. Even the convertible can handle two sets of clubs. Who would have...

Calling out a minivan for utility is like calling out a Burger King Triple Whopper for calories. But the Grand Caravan goes beyond its segment with Dodge's Stow 'n Go captain's chairs, which fold into floor wells to allow 140.6 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume. Leave the seats up, and the...

Calling out a minivan for utility is like calling out a Burger King Triple Whopper for calories. But the Grand Caravan goes beyond its segment with Dodge's Stow 'n Go captain's chairs, which fold into floor wells to allow 140.6 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume. Leave the seats up, and the...

Not all small crossovers are created equal. Witness the CR-V, whose cargo area has 11 percent more maximum volume than the Chevrolet Equinox, despite the Honda being nearly 10 inches shorter. Folding the CR-V's seats couldn't be easier: pull a lever near the tailgate, and the seats flip forward...

Not all small crossovers are created equal. Witness the CR-V, whose cargo area has 11 percent more maximum volume than the Chevrolet Equinox, despite the Honda being nearly 10 inches shorter. Folding the CR-V's seats couldn't be easier: pull a lever near the tailgate, and the seats flip forward...

Hatchbacks have a well-deserved reputation for versatility, but the Fit is an all-star among them. It offers 57.3 cubic feet of cargo room with the backseat folded ¿ huge considering the Fit's tidy exterior dimensions. The Fit's secret weapon, though, are backseat cushions that can flip up to...

Hatchbacks have a well-deserved reputation for versatility, but the Fit is an all-star among them. It offers 57.3 cubic feet of cargo room with the backseat folded ¿ huge considering the Fit's tidy exterior dimensions. The Fit's secret weapon, though, are backseat cushions that can flip up to...